St. John's Prep Dominates All-Star Category with a 9.87 Score

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  Sports and Competition on Wed, Nov 26th, 2025 by Staten Island Advance
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Staten Island High School Cheerleading: Highlights from the CHSAA Archdiocesan Regional Competition

The latest CHSAA Archdiocesan Regional cheerleading meet, held on Thursday, November 7 at the Staten Island Sports Complex, drew a vibrant mix of athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the borough. The event, organized by the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA), showcased the skill and spirit of Staten Island’s top high‑school cheer squads and served as a crucial stepping‑stone for teams heading toward the state and national championship circuits. Below is a comprehensive recap of the meet’s highlights, including standout performers, team results, and insights from coaches and judges.

1. The Meet at a Glance

• Date & Venue: Thursday, November 7, 2025, Staten Island Sports Complex, 30th Street & 1st Avenue.
• Participants: 16 teams from 12 schools—ranging from varsity squads to junior varsity and freshman groups.
• Event Structure: The meet featured three main competitive categories: All‑Star, Dance, and Stunt. Each category was scored separately, with the total points determining overall team placement.
• Judging Panel: A mix of CHSAA officials, local sports coaches, and a guest judge from the National Cheerleading Association (NCA).

2. Championship‑Level Performances

All‑Star Category

The All‑Star competition is the most coveted of the three, as it tests a squad’s overall athleticism, artistry, and crowd engagement.

Key Takeaway: St. John’s Prep’s top score, a perfect 9.87, reflects their year‑long focus on building technical stunt skills while maintaining engaging choreography. Their coach, Maria Hernandez, credited the team’s dedication during the pandemic to their success.

Dance Category

Dance routines highlight creativity, musicality, and synchronization. The category was fierce, with several teams delivering innovative performances.

Stunt Category

The stunt category is the most physically demanding, and it was a showcase of strength, timing, and daring.

3. Individual Standouts

While team scores dominated headlines, the competition also highlighted individual athletes who shone in their respective categories:

• All‑Star – “The Tornado” – Madison K. (St. John’s Prep): Earned the “Most Energetic Performer” award for her explosive routines and seamless pivoting.
• Dance – “Siren” – Olivia T. (St. Agnes High): Recognized for her lyrical expression and flawless transitions between dance sequences.
• Stunt – “The Rocket” – Ethan J. (St. John’s Prep): Awarded “Best Stunt Performer” for his clean execution of complex stunts, including a high‑line “X” pyramid.

4. Coaches’ Insights

Maria Hernandez (St. John’s Prep)

“Our focus was on building strength and unity. The pandemic forced us to adapt, but the team responded with incredible resilience. Their confidence on stage was the key to our top score.”

Alex Rivera (Staten Island Academy)

“We wanted to blend stunts with contemporary dance, creating a routine that feels fresh yet grounded. The judges appreciated our creativity.”

Priya Singh (St. Agnes High)

“The dance segment was a team effort. We practiced countless hours to refine our transitions and keep the crowd engaged. Seeing our community in the stands made it all worthwhile.”

5. What Comes Next

The competition results have set the stage for the next phase of the cheerleading season:

• State Championships: The top three teams from each category will qualify for the CHSAA State Championships in late December.
• National Showcase: St. John’s Prep’s All‑Star routine will be presented at the NCA National Showcase, giving them exposure on a larger platform.
• Training Camps: Several teams, including St. Patrick’s Academy and St. Leo’s Academy, plan to host specialized training camps to hone their stunts and choreography ahead of the finals.

6. Community Impact

Beyond the competitive aspect, the meet emphasized the role of cheerleading as a community-building activity. Many schools used the event to promote school spirit and foster partnerships with local businesses. The event’s success also helped to boost the visibility of women’s sports in Staten Island, providing a platform for young athletes to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics.

7. Quick Recap

• All‑Star Champion: St. John’s Prep (9.87)
• Dance Champion: St. Agnes High (9.74)
• Stunt Champion: St. John’s Prep (9.80)
• Overall Team: St. John’s Prep – dominant across all categories
• Individual Awards: Recognized athletes in each category for outstanding performances

The CHSAA Archdiocesan Regional cheerleading meet proved to be a thrilling showcase of talent, teamwork, and determination. As Staten Island’s high schools gear up for the state finals, the spotlight remains on the athletes who have already proven they can rise to the occasion. Whether they’re stunting, dancing, or rallying crowds, these young cheerleaders have set a high bar—and a bright future—for high‑school cheerleading in the borough.